A man walking his dog in Northumberland helped archaeologists uncover centuries-old fishing bait tanks at at Foxton Bay in in North East England.
A man walking his dog in the United Kingdom inadvertently helped archaeologists and geologists make surprising discoveries at a local beach, officials say. Northumberland Coast National Landscape officials published a blog post about the recent discoveries last week. The dog walker was on a stroll at Foxton Bay in Northumberland, located in North East England, when he spotted unusual pits near the shore.
local historian named Adrian Osler was able to gather information about historical fishing activity in the area, and found proof of a local fishery in the 19th century – lending credibility to the bait tank hypothesis. 'In the absence of direct evidence as to the purpose and date of these structures, they are best considered reductively in respect of known historic shoreside activities, which could include bait storage, live catch storage or preserving lines and nets,' Osler said.
The principal baits used in inshore longline fisheries were limpets and mussels, either of which might convenience the fisher if held in large numbers in short-term storage in water. For example, ‘Bait pits’ cut into bedrock have been reported from Cresswell,' he added. The tanks had been cut into 'beachrock,' which is a formation of seashells and laminated shells. Wilson-Beevers told Fox News Digital that beachrock is rare to find.
There is a possibility the beachrock is man-made and could’ve been a mixture of beach sand and lime to stabilize the bait traps,' Wilson-Beevers said. 'But the assumption we’re working with is the beachrock offers evidence that the high tide mark in this location was at one point slightly further in land than today, which is very interesting.'
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Bay Area man man accused of robbing market for gallon of waterThe suspect allegedly brandished a hammer at Zee’s Deli, Wine & Spirits in Kentfield.
Read more »
Bay Area weather: East Bay residents cope with near 100-degree sizzling heatSoft serve on tap - is there a better invention than this on a day flirting with 100 degrees? Happy carloads of customers lined up at Meadowlark Dairy in Pleasanton on Tuesday to cool off with a little treat.
Read more »
This Bay Area island has an impressive new park with sweeping Bay viewsIt boasts a sweeping 360 degree view of the San Francisco Bay.
Read more »
77-year-old North Bay man convicted of voter fraud after social media postsA 77-year-old man from Sonoma County was convicted of one count of voter fraud after he posted on social media about voting twice in the past two elections, county prosecutors announced Wednesday.
Read more »
Man to stand trial for murder of missing Capitola woman found buried in East Bay parkA 54-year-old El Cerrito man charged with killing his girlfriend and hiding her body beneath a pile of rocks in a Berkeley park was held to answer on charges Wednesday.
Read more »
Marin County police arrest South Bay man, two others in theft probeOfficers detained the suspects after an incident at the Vintage Oaks Shopping Center.
Read more »